Aluminum is more reactive than zinc. This means aluminum will displace zinc from its solution.
The Reaction:
The reaction is a single displacement reaction:
* 2Al(s) + 3Zn(NO₃)₂(aq) → 2Al(NO₃)₃(aq) + 3Zn(s)
Explanation:
* Aluminum (Al) will react with zinc nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂) to form aluminum nitrate (Al(NO₃)₃) and solid zinc (Zn).
* The aluminum atoms will lose electrons and become aluminum ions (Al³⁺), which will then combine with nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) to form aluminum nitrate.
* The zinc ions (Zn²⁺) will gain electrons and become zinc atoms, which will precipitate out of solution as solid zinc.
Observations:
* You would observe a grayish-white solid (zinc) forming on the surface of the aluminum.
* The solution would become colorless as the zinc nitrate is consumed.
* The aluminum might become pitted as it is oxidized.
Important Note: The reaction will proceed slowly at room temperature. It can be sped up by heating the solution or increasing the surface area of the aluminum.
